After a breakthrough season in the English Championship with Reading FC, Michael Akpovie Olise is today one of the most sought after youngsters across Europe so much so that both Nigeria and Algeria are in a tug of war for him to play for them.
Olise, who was released by both the youth teams of Manchester City and Chelsea six years ago, played 46 games in all competitions this past season, scoring seven goals and making 12 assists.
The 19-year-old midfielder was named the English Championship Young Player of the Year and was also picked in the English Championship Team of the Season.
Olise was also named in L’Equipe Top 20 U20 stars in the world.
It is therefore not surprising that an ever-growing list of clubs across Europe is now in a hot chase to sign him.
The clubs include Ligue 1 champions Lille, Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga as well as Liverpool in the Premier League.
His contract at Reading, who failed to win promotion to the Premier League, runs out next summer and his transfer market value has now shot to a staggering 12 Million Euros.
As regards international football, the Super Eagles will have to battle African champions Algeria for the exciting youngster.
Coach Gernot Rohr has previously listed Olise on standby for the Super Eagles, while the player could also play for Algeria because of his mother.
The Algerian football officials plan to visit the midfielder to convince him his international future will be best served with them.
He could also play for France as he holds that country’s citizenship, while he was born in London.
